Drug testing for welfare heads for Senate vote

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Drug testing for welfare heads for Senate vote

RALEIGH, N.C.–A proposal to require WorkFirst applicants to pay for drug testing is headed for a vote on the Senate floor after receiving party-line support in the Senate Health Committee Wednesday, WRAL reports.

The bill would require all applicants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, known as WorkFirst in North Carolina, to pay upfront for testing for all controlled substances. According to the report, if the tests are negative, applicants would be reimbursed for the tests. If they test positive, they would be ineligible for benefits.

“I believe that drug abuse in our society is the scourge of our society,” Davis said. “I think every kid, regardless of their skin color or their economic circumstance, deserves a drug-free home. This is just one step to reach toward that goal.”